Is the Rockies' Future Brighter Than Its Present?

Deck

The Colorado Rockies lost a heartbreaker last night at Coors Field, allowing the Houston Astros---one of the league's worst teams---to rally from a three-run deficit and win the game 4-3 (recap via The Associated Press).
The frustrating loss puts the Rockies more than four games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division race, reinforcing the stubborn fact that the Rockies just can't seem to get over the hump this season. The trouble with nailing clutch hits is not lost on The Denver Post.
The Rockies are 6-31 at the plate with runners in scoring position, a trend that they'll have to turn around if they want to have any hope of competing in the division race this year. It's easier instead to focus on the future, particularly the draft of the last couple days.
The Rockies' plan, according to Yahoo! Sports, seems to be concerned with drafting quarterbacks. No, that's not a reporting error.
The team's first pick was Kyle Parker, a strong right fielder from Clemson who happens to be the school's quarterback, as well, throwing 20 touchdowns in the fall as a freshman. It's unclear whether Parker (pictured top) will sign with the Rockies, however, due to his football acumen.
The Rockies also drafted Russell Wilson (middle), North Carolina State's starting quarterback, who tells ESPN he wants to spend the summer with the Rockies, but he'll be returning to school in the fall to try and help the team win an ACC championship.
Draft news also includes the story of Mark Tracy, picked by the Rockies in the 22nd round. The 6-foot-5-inch, 220-pound prospect (bottom right) had a nice season at Duquesne, hitting .290 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs. He also happens to be Rockies manager Jim Tracy's son, which brings a big smile to the manager's face.
"It feels great," the elder Tracy tells The Denver Post. "I am very proud of him."

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Johnson & Wales students, all baking and pastry arts majors, competed in the Gingerbread Takeover from December 6–8. Final judging took place on Thursday in the lobby of the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel. All photos by Sarah Boyum

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The American Society of Interior Designers' (ASID) Colorado Chapter decorated the Governor's Residence for the holidays. Holiday tours, free and open to the public, will take place December 8-11 and December 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All photos by Sarah Boyum